MGM Resorts International in Las Vegas will beginlayoffs and closures this upcoming week after a significant downturn in business amid COVID-19 concerns.
On Friday, March 13, employees were notified in a company-wide letter from MGM president and COO Bill Hornbuckle.
“We are now learning that several of our employees have tested presumptive positive for the coronavirus, and we expect that there will be more in the coming days. Please keep them and their families in your thoughts and prayers,” Hornbuckle wrote in part.
Hornbuckle added, in response, MGM Northfield Parkis temporarily closed and operations of allnightclubs and day clubsare on hold. As of Monday, spas and salons will also suspend operations and approximately 150 food and beverage outlets will close, with more closing on a rolling basis.
MGM is one of the largest employers in Nevada and a leading global casino company, with 30 hotel and gaming destinations around the globe, including the Bellagio, Excalibur, Luxor, Mandalay Bay and New York-New York among others. According to its website, MGM employs 83,000 people.
“These decisions are never made lightly, and we deeply regret the hardship it will place on these individuals and their families,” wrote Hornbuckle. “We are actively engaging with our industry colleagues, trade associations, and federal delegation on legislation being considered by the federal government to provide financial relief for America’s workers and businesses.
“There is much about this unique crisis that is unknown. But one thing that I do know is that MGM Resorts will weather this storm. We are resilient and we will lean on one another to get us through. In the not so distant future, I know we will be ready to welcome the hundreds of thousands of guests who come toour facilities every day to be served by the most amazing employees in the industry.”
